VANDERBILT GAmE NoTEs...2012/10/29 · The 2012 Commodores compare favorably to the 2011 team that...

2012 V A N D E R B I L T G A m E N o T E s 1

VANDERBILT KENTUCKYLocation Nashville, Tenn. Lexington, Ky.Founded 1873 1865Undergrad Enrollment 6,817 20,200Conference Southeastern SoutheasternNickname Commodores WildcatsColors Black & Gold Blue & WhiteHome Field Vanderbilt Stadium Commonwealth StadiumCapacity 40,350 67,606Field Surface artificial natural grassHead Coach James Franklin (2nd) Joker Phillips (3rd)Record at School 10-11 (.476) 12-22 (.353)Career Record 10-11 (.476) 12-22 (.353)Team Website VUCommodores.com UKAthletics.comTeam Twitter @VandyFootball @UKFootball Coach's Twitter @JamesFranklinVU @JokerPhillips

★ A 169-yard rushing performance by RB Zac Stacy against Auburn two weeks ago enabled the senior to become the Commodores' all-time leading rusher.

- Page 2

★ The 2012 Commodores compare favorably to the 2011 team that made its way into the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis.

- Page 3

★ Junior WR Jordan Matthews is working his way up several season and career charts after another superb performance vs. UMass. - Pages 3

★ An updated list of active career statistical leaders among the Commodore squad.

- Page 4

★ Vanderbilt team and individual highlights from last week's convincing win over Massachusetts.

- Page 7

★ Senior CB Trey Wilson has returned four of five career interceptions for touchdowns.

- Page 8

★ A statistical comparison of the Commodores and Wildcats.

- Page 12

LARRY LEATHERS............ Primary Football Contact cell: 480-8226 office: (615) 343-6437

[email protected] WILLIAMSON ......... Director of CommunicationsKYLE PARKINSON .................Secondary FB/BaseballBRANDON BARCA .......................... Digital StrategiesANDY BOGGS ....................................... Men’s BB/GolfMICHAEL SCHOLL ................Women's BB/XC & TrackRYAN SCHULZ ..................................Internal OperationsCHRIS WEINMAN ...............Editor, Commodore NationWESTON PLETCHER ..........Intern, Swimming/Tennis

SID Office Phone: (615) 322-4121Press Box Phone: 320-0436

VANDERBILT GAmE NoTEs

Date Opponent Notes 8/30 #9 SO. CAROLINA (L, 13-17) 7-2 Gamecocks lose Lattimore in 38-35 win over Tennessee 9/8 @ Northwestern (L, 13-23) Wildcats improve to 7-2 with 28-17 Big Ten victory over Iowa 9/15 PRESBYTERIAN (W, 58-0) Presbyterian falls to 2-7 after loss to Stony Brook9/22 @ #5 Georgia (L, 3-48) 'Dogs go to 7-1 overall with impressive 17-9 win over Gators 9/29 bye10/6 @ Missouri (W, 19-15) Mizzou goes to 4-4 overall with 33-10 victory over Kentucky10/13 #4 FLORIDA (L, 17-31) Gators fall from unbeaten ranks, take 17-9 loss to Georgia10/20 AUBURN (W, 17-13) Tigers continue to struggle, fall 63-21 to Texas A&M at home10/27 UMASS (W, 49-7) 'Dores get to .500 with impressive victory over Minutemen11/3 @ Kentucky, 11 am (ESPNU) Wildcats drop 33-10 decision to Missouri on the road11/10 @ Ole Miss Rebels get to 5-3 overall with 30-27 overtime over Arkansas 11/17 TENNESSEE Volunteers fall to 3-5 after difficult 38-35 loss at So. Carolina11/24 @ Wake Forest 4-4 Deacs fall to Clemson at home 42-13 on Thursday night

'dores Look to continue winning ways;go on the road to Face kentucky

vanderbiLt, kentucky Quick Facts

2012 scheduLe at a gLance

athLetic communications staFF

4-4, 2-3 1-8, 0-6

storyLines For game 9

DATE: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 KICKOFF: 11:00 a.m., CTSTADIUM: Commonwealth Stadium, LexingtonTELEVISION: ESPNU Clay Matvick, play-by-play, Matt Stinchcomb, color analystVANDERBILT RADIO NETWORK: Flagship – NewsRadio 1510 WLAC Joe Fisher, play-by-play; John Gromos, color analyst; Mitchell Light, sidelines

vanderbiLt-kentucky inFo

Vanderbilt experienced a rare achievement against Massachusetts by scoring touchdowns in all three phases of the game. In addition to five offensive touchdowns, the Commodores scored on an interception by Trey Wilson and punt return by Jonathan Krause.

Three of the four teams that have defeated Vanderbilt are ranked in the Top Ten of the latest BCS Poll. Georgia, Florida and South Carolina are ranked 6th, 7th & 8th, respectively. The fourth team, Northwestern, is getting consideration in every poll. The combined record of the four teams is 28-6.

vu's chaLLenging scheduLe

scoring in aLL three Phases

The Commodores will be seeking their first three-game win streak in more than a year when they journey to Lexington to face the 'Cats. The team's last three-game streak came in James Franklin's first three games as head coach.

seeking third straight win


CommoDoRE NoTEs

Jordan Matthews (Jr., WR) has established himself as one of the Southeastern Conference's most productive receivers. Matthews ranks second in the SEC with 56 catches, trailing only Cobi Hamilton of Arkansas. Matthews' 96.7-yard receiving average also ranks second in the SEC behind Hamilton. Matthews has 775 receiving yards on the season. Matthews tops all SEC receivers in conference action. He is averaging 106.8 receiving yards in five SEC games. Matthews set a career high with 10 catches vs. UMass, good for 112 yards. It was his seventh game of at least 100 receiving yards. The junior has also entered the Vanderbilt career Top Ten in receiving yardage. His 1,739-yard total ranks ninth all-time, just 19 yards shy of overtaking Keith Edwards (1980, 82-83) into eighth place. The junior has surpassed 100 receiving yards in four games this year. Besides the UMass total, he had 147 yards against South Carolina, 131 yards against Florida, and 119 yards at Georgia. Matthews also added eight catches at Northwestern and nine receptions at Missouri. Matthews has surpassed 100 receiving yards in six of his last 13 games. During that span, Matthews is averaging 102 receiving yards. Matthews' 147-yard receiving total vs. South Carolina ranks as the program's third highest total in a season opener. The effort vs. South Carolina included a 78-yard TD catch, the team's longest pass play since the Duke game in 2010.

matthews among receiving Leaders

Rec. Yards Opponent 170 at Florida, 11/5/2011 151 vs. Arkansas, 10/29/2011 147 vs. South Carolina, 8/30/2012 131 vs. Florida, 10/13/2012 131 vs. Kentucky, 11/12/2011 118 at Georgia, 9/22/2012 112 vs. Massachusetts, 10/27/2012

matthews' toP outings

Zac Stacy (Sr., RB) became the Commodores' all-time leading rusher Oct. 20 during a sensational 169-yard performance in Vanderbilt's 17-13 victory over Auburn on Oct. 20. In 40 career appearances, Stacy now has 2,685 rushing yards, 53 yards more than former record holder Frank Mordica (1976-79). Stacy also scored a TD vs Auburn, pushing his career total to 25 rushing TDs. Stacy played sparingly in the win over UMass, totalling 15 yards on five carries. Stacy matched his single-game high against a Southeastern Conference team during the effort. He also produced 169 rushing yards in a win against Ole Miss last year. Stacy had 27 carries vs. Auburn, marking the first time in his 'Dore career he has surpassed 20 attempts in three consecutive games. Stacy ranks sixth in the SEC with 683 rushing yards on 131 carries. He is averaging 5.2 yards per rush and has the longest carry in team his-tory – an 86-yarder for TD vs. Presbyterian. An All-SEC performer in 2011, Stacy is the SEC's active leading career rusher with 2,685 yards. He has an 8-yard lead over South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore, who suffered a serious injury last week vs. Tennessee. Stacy needs just two rushing touchdowns to overtake Dean Davidson (1947-50) as the team's all-time leader. Stacy's 5.3-yard career rushing average easily ranks as the highest among Vanderbilt's Top Ten all-time rushers. He still has 41 fewer rush attempts than Mordica. Stacy has eight games of 100+ rushing yards in his career. He is tied with Mordica for second in this category, trailing only Jermaine Johnson, who had 11 games of 100+ rushing yards from 1993-95. The Commodores have enjoyed plenty of success when Stacy reaches the 100-yard rushing mark, going 7-1 overall.

Name Att. Yards Avg. TDs1. ZAC STACY, 2009- 505 2,685 5.3 25 2. Frank Mordica, 1976-79 546 2,632 4.8 183. Carl Woods, 1983-86 619 2,490 4.0 154. Jamie O'Rourke, 1971, 73-74 498 2,202 4.4 205. Jermaine Johnson, 1993-05 486 2,152 4.4 13

vandy career rushing List

Zac stacy becomes vanderbiLt's aLL-time Leading rusher

Name Rushing TDs 1. Dean Davidson, RB, 1947-50 26 TDs 2. ZAC STACY, RB, 2009- 25 TDs

career rushing tds

Yards Opponent 198 vs. Army, 10/22/2011 184 at Wake Forest, 11/26/2011 174 vs. Presbyterian, 9/15/2012 169 vs. Auburn, 10/20/2012 169 vs. Ole Miss, 9/17/2011

stacy's toP rush totaLs

Name Career Yards 1. ZAC STACY, Vanderbilt 2,685 2. Marcus Lattimore, So. Carolina 2,677

sec's active rush Leaders

Vanderbilt's 49-7 victory over UMass marked the team's sixth win in its last seven regular season games against non-SEC opponents. Besides UMass, the 'Dores have topped Presbyterian at home (58-0, Sept. 15) and lost at Northwestern (13-23, Sept. 8) in non-SEC games. They close the season with a road trip Nov. 27 to Wake Forest of the ACC. Under James Franklin, the 'Dores are 6-1 in regular season, non-SEC play. They were 4-0 in 2011, the first since 1994 for Vanderbilt to register an unblemished out-of-conference regular season.

'DORES IN NON-SEC ACTION OvER LAST 10 YEARS Year Non-SEC Opponents (result) 2012 Northwestern (L), Presbyterian (W), UMass (W), Wake Forest 2011 Elon (W), UConn (W), Army (W), Wake Forest (W), Cincinnati (L) 2010 Northwestern (L), UConn (L), E. Michigan (W), Wake Forest (L) 2009 Western Carolina (W), Rice (W), Army (L), Ga. Tech (L) 2008 Miami OH (W), Rice (W), Duke (L), Wake Forest (L), Boston Coll. (W) 2007 Richmond (W), E. Michigan (W), Miami OH (W) Wake Forest (L) 2006 Michigan (L), Tennessee State (W), Temple (W) 2005 Wake Forest (W), Richmond (W), Middle Tennessee (L) 2004 Navy (L), Rutgers (L), Eastern Kentucky (W) 2003 Chattanooga (W), TCU (L), Georgia Tech (L), Navy (L)

vanderbiLt in recent non-sec games

Receiver Rec. Yards 1. Boo Mitchell, 1985-88 2,964 2. Dan Stricker, 1999-2002 2,880 3. Earl Bennett, 2005-07 2,852 4. Martin Cox, 1975-78 2,275 5. Chuck Scott, 1981-84 2,219 6. Clarence Sevillian, 1989-92 1,978 7. Erik Davis, 2002-05 1,767 8. Keith Edwards, 1980, 82-83 1,757 9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, 2010-12 1,73910. Carl Parker, 1983, 85-87 1,721

career receiving yards

A 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on the Commodores as they prepared for the Auburn game aired last week on the CBS Sports Network. A film crew from "Yahoo! Presents The Road to Saturday" spent three days on campus in Nashville getting coach and student-athlete interviews, video footage of meetings and practices, and gameday coverage for the show.

cbs sPorts network Features 'dores


In many ways, the 4-4 Commodores of 2012 are out performing the 4-4 Commodores of a year ago – a squad that made its way to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. A comparison of current NCAA stats indicates the 2012 Commodores are improved in most offensive and defensive categories over James Franklin's initial squad in 2011. The 2012 Commodores are producing more yards and first downs on offense and fewer yards and first downs on defense. This year, the Commodores are averaging 54.2 more yards of offense. The increase is due to improvement in the passing attack. With the rushing attack virtually identical to a year ago, the 2012 'Dores are averagingnearly four more first downs. The 2012 defense also is improved over a year ago when the unit showed massive gains from the 2010 season. The '12 defense is allowing 19.2 points a game, 3.6 points less than last year. The unit also is giving up 8.6 fewer total yards, fewer passing yards, and less first downs than a year ago. The 'Dores are converting a higher percentage of third downs on offense, and forcing more fourth downs on defense. The '12 squad has more sacks – and is allowing less sacks by opposing defenses. The 2012 Commodores also are getting flagged for seven fewer yards in penalties than a year ago. Turnovers have been the most glaring difference in the 2011 and 2012 teams. This year, Vanderbilt has been one of the nation's best in limiting turnovers, committing just 11 this season. In 2011, Vanderbilt had 20 turnovers through eight games. The improved ball security has not translated to gains in turnover margin because the 'Dores have forced 14 fewer turnovers this season.

kent among sec's best Punters

Category 2012 Avg. 2011 Avg. Diff. Record 4-4 4-4 - Scoring Offense 23.6 25.2 -1.6 Total Offense 377.4 320.2 +54.2 Rush Offense 166.1 167.6 -1.5 Pass Offense 211.2 152.6 +58.5 Pass Efficiency 135.3 99.4 +35.9 First Downs 18.6 15.3 +3.3 Scoring Defense 19.2 22.8 +3.6 Total Defense 323.2 331.9 +8.7 Rush Defense 172.2 125.0 -47.8 Pass Defense 151.0 206.9 +55.9 Pass Efficiency Defense 103.6 116.7 +13.1 First Downs Allowed 16.9 18.0 +1.1 Turnover Margin -3 +2 -5 Time of Possession 29:37 28:13 +1:24 Penalty Yards 47.0 54.0 +7.0 3rd Down Conv. % (Off.) 29% 28% +1% 3rd Down Conv. % (Def.) 31% 40% +9% QB Sacks 19 17 +2 QB Sacks Allowed 17 20 +3

This comparison is through the first eight games of the 2011-12 seasons.

2011-12 stat comParisons

2012 commodores: severaL areas oF imProvement over 2011 sQuad Fifth-year senior punter Richard Kent continues to perform at an All-Southeastern Conference level. And there's no other league in the

NCAA that approaches the punting quality witnessed in the SEC. Kent averaged 53.5 yards on two punts against Massachusetts. Both of his punts topped 50 yards. Kent is enjoying one of the finest seasons ever by a Vanderbilt punter. His 45.6-yard average ranks second in the SEC behind Kyle Christy of Florida (47.8-yard average). If Kent continues his current form, he will finish with the fourth best single-season punting average in team history. Kent was recognized as the SEC's Co-Specialist of the Week Oct. 6 for his performance against Missouri. The SEC is loaded with punters. Six of the NCAA's top 25 punters hail from the conference. Kent's net punting average of 41.5 yards also ranks among the NCAA leaders. Opponents have returned just 12 of Kent's 36 punts this season, totalling 86 yards. Kent has 12 punts of 50 yards or more, including a 67-yarder at Northwestern which ranks as the SEC's third longest punt this season. While 33% of his punts have landed inside the opponent 20-yard line, just three have been touchbacks. A former walk-on, Kent has been remarkably consistent as a three-year starter. He has placed at least one punt inside the opponent's 20-yard line in 13 of his last 15 games, and 30 of 33 career appearances. He also has boomed punts of 48 or more yards in 15 consecutive games.

Name, Team Punt Avg. 1. Kyle Christy, Florida 47.8 yards 2. RICHARD KENT, Vanderbilt 45.6 yards 3. Dylan Breeding, Arkansas 45.2 yards based on minimum of 3.6 punts per game

sec's toP Punters

CommoDoRE NoTEs

2013 scheduLe announced Vanderbilt will open the 2013 football season at home against perennial SEC rival Ole Miss, the first of seven encounters scheduled on campus. The Vanderbilt-Ole Miss game, scheduled for Aug. 31,also serves as the first matchup of the year pairing teams from the SEC. Later in the 2013 season, the Commodores will entertain three SEC Eastern Division opponents in Vanderbilt Stadium: Missouri on Oct. 5, Georgia on Oct. 19 and Kentucky on Nov. 16. Vanderbilt will play three non-conference games on campus: Austin Peay on Sept. 7, Alabama-Birmingham on Sept. 28 and Wake Forest in the regular sea-son finale on Nov. 30. Vanderbilt will also play Austin Peay, located less than an hour north of Nashville in Clarksville, for the first time in school history. The Governors will join Tennessee State as recent Ohio Valley Conference opponents for the Commodores. The road schedule allows Vanderbilt to make its first appear-ance at Kyle Field, home of Texas A&M.

Date Opponent Location8/31 OLE MISS Nashville9/7 AUSTIN PEAY Nashville9/14 South Carolina Columbia, S.C.9/21 UMass Foxboro, Mass.9/28 UAB Nashville10/5 MISSOURI Nashville10/19 GEORGIA Nashville10/26 Texas A&M College Station, Tex.11/9 Florida Gainesville, Fla.11/16 KENTUCKY Nashville11/23 Tennessee Knoxville11/30 WAKE FOREST Nashville

2013 scheduLe

Johnson, Lohr have most career starts Wesley Johnson (R-Jr., OL), Rob Lohr (R-Sr., DT) and Richard Kent (R-Sr., punter) top the Vanderbilt roster in career starts. Johnson, Lohr and Kent have been in the starting lineup every game since the 2010 opener, a span of 33 games. Six other Commodores have at least 15 career starts: Archibald Barnes (R-Sr., LB), Chris Boyd (R-So., WR), Walker May (R-Jr., DE), Ryan Seymour (R-Sr., OL), Zac Stacy (Sr., RB) and Trey Wilson (Sr., CB).


Eight veterans, including three offensive contributors and four defensive players, will serve as team captains for the upcoming season. The group represents both the junior and senior classes.

ARCHIBALD BARNES ....................................................................................................R-Sr. • LBRanks fourth on team with 42 tackles. Played in all 13 games in 2011, setting career highsin solo tackles (37), total tackles (59), TFLs (4.5), sacks (two) and INTs (two).

WESLEY JOHNSON .........................................................................................................R-Jr. • OLTeam's offensive lineman of the year in 2011, starting at center, guard and tackle while playing nearly every snap. Has currently started 33 consecutive games.

JAvON MARSHALL .................................................................................................. R-Jr. • SafetyLeads team lead with 34 solo tackles and ranks third with 48 total tackles. Shared starting safety role in 2011, playing in all 13 games despite injury and making 42 total tackles and grabbing two picks.

WALKER MAY .....................................................................................................................R-Jr. • DEHas 21 tackles, including 4.0 for losses, a sack and five QB hurries. Started eight games in 2011, including the last seven games, making 30 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.

CAREY SPEAR .........................................................................................................................Jr. • PKEnjoying solid season, hitting 11-of-14 field goals, including every attempt inside 42 yards. He is the only returning captain among the eight players.

JORDAN RODgERS ........................................................................................................R-Sr. • QBHas passed for 1,458 yards and five TDs this year. Played in all 13 games in 2011, starting seven, while going 108-216 passing for 1,524 yards and nine TDs.

ZAC STACY ............................................................................................................................... Sr. • RBBecame team's all-time leading rusher (2,685 yards). Has 683 yards this season. Team's leading rusher and offensive MVP in 2011, going for 1,193 yards and 14 TDs.

JOHNELL THOMAS......................................................................................................... R-Sr. • DEHas contributed 20 total tackles this year, including two stops resulting in losses. Played in all 13 games in 2011 while starting five, making 26 total tackles and five sacks.

BARNEs

CommoDoRE NoTEs

eight vanderbiLt team caPtains

mARshALL

sPEAR

sTACy

Crowds are coming out to see the Commodores play in 2012. Sellout crowds have enjoyed the Commodores' consecutive games in Vanderbilt Stadium against Florida and Auburn. It marks the first time in 16 seasons that Vanderbilt has played before successive sellouts in Nashville. The last time the Commodores sold out consecutive games came at the start of the 1996 season when Vanderbilt hosted Notre Dame and Ole Miss in September outings. Last week, a crowd of 32,227 attended Vanderbilt's homecoming game against MAC member UMass. The two sellouts come after the Vanderbilt hosted the largestcrowd for a home opener in more than a decade when the 'Dores and South Carolina squared off on Aug. 30. An announced audience of 38,393 cheered for the Commodores in the opener, the largest crowd to view a Vanderbilt season opener since 39,885 fans entered the turnstiles to watch MTSU and Vanderbilt in 2001. In five home dates, the Commodores are averaging 37,362 fans. Vanderbilt Stadium has been 92.6 percent at capacity. The Florida-Vanderbilt game also was the program's first sellout since November 2008.

attendance uP at vanderbiLt stadium;seLLouts For FLorida, auburn games

JohNsoN

mAy

RoDGERs

ThomAs

Category Team Leaders Career Totals Total Offense J. Rodgers/Z. Stacy 3,484/3,020Total TDs Z. Stacy/W. Norman 25/12Rushing Yards Z. Stacy/W. Norman 2,685/1,283Rushing Attempts Z. Stacy/W. Norman 505/235Rushing TDs Z. Stacy/W. Norman 25/8Passing Yards J. Rodgers/A. Carta-Samuels 2,982/208Pass Attempts J. Rodgers/A. Carta-Samuels 396/23Completions J. Rodgers/A. Carta-Samuels 214/14Passing TDs J. Rodgers/A. Carta-Samuels 14/1Receptions J. Matthews/J. Cole 112/65Receiving Yards J. Matthews/C. Boyd 1,739/1,012Receiving TDs J. Matthews/C. Boyd 12/9Punt Return Yards J. Krause/J. Cole 329/196Kick Return Yards W. Norman/A. Hal 1,608/1,168Total Tackles K. Ladler/A. Barnes 161/127Solo Tackles K. Ladler/A. Barnes 109/75Tackles for Loss R. Lohr/W. May 24.5/14.5Quarterback Sacks R. Lohr/C. Garnham 10/7Interceptions T. Wilson/E. Foster 5/4Forced Fumbles A. Barnes/J. Marshall 5/3Fumbles Recovered Samuels/May-Clarke-Butler (tie) 3/2Passes Defended T. Wilson/K. Ladler 15/13Career Starts W. Johnson-R. Lohr-R. Kent 33Consecutive Starts W. Johnson-R. Lohr-R. Kent 33

active career statisticaL Leaders

Attendance Opponent, Date 40,350 Auburn, 10/20/2012 40,350 Florida, 10/13/2012 38,393 So. Carolina, 8/30/2012

Largest home crowds


ThE KENTuCKy sERIEs

Eight 'Dores will face prep teammates when Vanderbilt meets Kentucky. • Kenny Ladler (Jr., safety) and Darreon Herring (Fr., LB) was team-mates at Stephenson H.S. near Atlanta with five current Wildcats: Jabari Johnson (R-Fr., LB), Raymond Sanders III (Jr., RB), Shawn Blaylock (Fr., DB), Ronnie Shields (So., TE) and Demarcus Sweat (Fr., WR). • Three Commodores – Wesley Johnson (Jr., OL), Fitz Lassing (Jr., FB) and Nate Colbert (So., QB) – played at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville with Kentucky's William Tanner (R-So., WR). • Richard Kent (R-Sr., punter) and Kyle Woestmann (R-So., DE) attended Walton H.S. in Marietta, Ga., the same school that produced Kentucky twins Daron Blaylock (Fr., DB) and Zack Blaylock (Fr. DB). • Ja'karri Thomas (Fr., LB) attended Godby H.S. in Tallahassee, Fla., the same school that produced UK's Kadeem Thomas (Fr., LB).

★ Meeting between schools: 85th ★ Series record: Vanderbilt trails, 39-41-4 ★ Last meeting: Vanderbilt 38-Kentucky 8 (2011) ★ First meeting: Vanderbilt 6-Kentucky 0 (1896) ★ Last game in Lexington: Vanderbilt 20-Kentucky 38 (2010) ★ Last Vanderbilt win in series: 38-8 (2011) ★ Vanderbilt record in last 5 games: 2-3 ★ Vanderbilt record in last 10 games: 3-7 ★ Vanderbilt record in Lexington: 14-22-2 ★ Vanderbilt record on campus in Nashville: 25-19-2 ★ Longest Vanderbilt win streak: 9

This is the 85th meeting between the Commodores and Wildcats in a series that dates to 1896. Vanderbilt has played only two teams more than Kentucky – Tennessee (106) and Ole Miss (86). Vanderbilt's victory in 2011 on the Nashville campus ended a two-gameKentucky win streak. The Commodores are 4-6 since 1992 against the 'Cats in Lexington.

the vanderbiLt-kentucky series

more on the kentucky series

PreP teammates Facing oFF saturday

scoring summaryTEAm 1 2 3 4 FINAL RECoRDKENTuCKy 0 0 8 0 8 4-6, 1-5VANDERBILT 7 17 7 7 38 5-5, 2-5

FIRsT QuARTER: VANDY: Zac Stacy 3-yd. run (Ryan Fowler kick), :05.sECoND QuARTER: VANDY: Chris Boyd 14-yd. pass from Jordan Rodgers (Fowler kick), 5:43 VANDY: Stacy 8-yd. run (Fowler kick), 2:21. VANDY: Fowler 32-yd. field goal, 2:13.ThIRD QuARTER: VANDY: Jordan Matthews 49-yd. pass from Rodgers (Fowler kick), 2:33. UK: N. Melillo 22-yd. pass from M. Smith (M. Roark pass from M. Smith), 2:24.FouRTh QuARTER: VANDY: Stacy 18-yd. run (Fowler kick), 6:26.

sTATIsTICs KENTuCKy VANDERBILT FIRST DOWNS 9 28 RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 22-32 56-203 PASSING YDS (NET) 179 207 PASSES ATT-COmP-INT 31-15-0 23-13-1 TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 53-211 79-410 FUmbLE RETURNS-YARDS 0-0 1-1 PUNT RETURNS-YARDS 1-5 1-(-3) KICKOFF RETURNS-YARDS 5-110 2-48 INTERCEPTION RETURNS-YARDS 1-28 0-0 PUNTS (NUmbER-AvG) 6-37.0 3-41.0 FUmbLES-LOST 2-1 1-0 PENALTIES-YARDS 10-105 3-25 POSSESSION TImE 21:06 38:54 THIRD-DOWN CONvERSIONS 0 OF 12 10 OF 18 FOURTH-DOWN CONvERSIONS 3 OF 6 2 OF 3 RED-ZONE SCORES-CHANCES 0-0 5-8 SACKS bY: NUmbER-YARDS 2-18 4-31

RUSHING: KENTUCKY – George 6-46; Williams 10-22; Roark 1-16; team 1-(-16); Smith 4-(-31); Tydlacka 1-(-5). VANDERBILT – Zac Stacy 28-135; Jordan Rodgers 12-29; Larry Smith 3-18; Chris Boyd 1-11; Jerron Seymour 10-6; Jonathan Krause 1-4.PASSING: KENTUCKY – Maxwell Smith 15-31-0-179. VANDERBILT – Jordan Rodgers 12-22-1-207; Zac Stacy 1-1-0-0. RECEIVING: KENTUCKY – King 5-82; Melillo 4-59; Williams 3-15; McCaskill 2-13; Matt Roark 1-10. VANDERBILT – Jordan Matthews 6-131; Chris Boyd 3-37; Austin Monahan 1-23; Brandon Barden 1-14; Wesley Tate 1-2; Jordan Rodgers 1-0.

NASHvILLE – The Vanderbilt Commodores now must win away from home if they want their first bowl since 2008 and second since 1982.

Zac Stacy ran for 135 yards and three touchdowns, and Jordan Rodgers threw for 207 yards and two TDs as Vanderbilt defeated Kentucky 38-8 in

snapping a two-game skid.The Commodores (5-5, 2-5 SEC East) improved

to 5-2 at home under first-year coach James Franklin. They finish the season at Tennessee and at Wake Forest.

Kentucky (4-6, 1-5) had won two straight and eight of the last 10 in this series. Following this loss, the Wildcats now must win both at No. 14 Georgia and in their home finale against Tennessee to extend their school-record streak to a sixth straight bowl game.

The Commodores sacked Smith four times and forced a turnover. They did it with their biggest win over Kentucky since 1969 and matched their largest margin of victory in an SEC game since 1971.

commodores deFeat wiLdcatsFor FiFth victory oF season

Game 10Nov. 12, 2011

Nashville

Last time vs. kentucky

other key moments in series 2008 – Vanderbilt reached six wins and bowl eligibility behind versatileD.J. Moore, who put together one of the most remarkable games in Commodore history. Moore posted two interceptions as a defensive back and two touchdown catches as a receiver. 2005 – QB Jay Cutler sets team records with 39 completions and five TD passes – all to WR Earl Bennett, who ties a SEC mark in the process. 2003 – Four TD passes from Jay Cutler gives Bobby Johnson his first SEC victory as Vanderbilt's coach. 1995 – Jermaine Johnson rushes for 137 yards, and Damian Allen hits Kenny Simon with late TD pass as 'Dores earn fifth straight win in series. 1940 – With Vanderbilt Head Coach Red Sanders in the hospital, fans poured on the field to congratulate Vanderbilt players after a 7-7 tie with Kentucky. Filling in for Sanders was a Commodore assistant line coach named Paul "Bear" Bryant. Six years later, Bryant accepted the Kentucky position, going 60-23-5 in eight years. 1901 – In a 22-0 win, Vanderbilt back John Tigert scores one of team's three TDs. Later, he'd go on to become a Rhodes Scholar and University of Florida president. Tigert also would serve as Kentucky's head basketball coach (1913) and head football coach (1915-16).


2012 Career Consecutive games 2012 games Career CareerPlayer Pos. Played Starts Played Starts StartsCaleb Azubike DE 8 - 8 - -Robby Barbieri LB 1 - 4 - -Archibald Barnes LB 8 8 44 17 17Jake Bernstein OL 7 1 7 1 1Chris Boyd WR 8 8 21 16 15Andrew Bridges OL 8 8 21 13 12Darien Bryant DE 5 - 5 - -Karl Butler LB 8 8 33 8 8Austyn Carta-Samuels QB 3 1 3 1 -Steven Clarke CB 6 - 30 - -John Cole WR 4 - 30 21 -Barron Dixon DT 8 - 16 - -Andrew East SN 8 - 23 - -Eddie Foster CB 8 - 45 16 -Ryan Fowler PK 5 - 38 28 -Larry Franklin LB 8 - 8 - -Chase Garnham LB 8 8 31 16 8Josh Grady WR 8 - 8 - -Josh Gregory DB 2 - 2 - -Andre Hal CB 8 8 33 10 8Conor Hart DT 5 - 5 - -Darreon Herring LB 8 - 8 - -Casey Hughes S 8 - 8 - -Wesley Johnson OL 8 7 33 33 33Josh Jelesky OL 7 7 41 12 -Richard Kent P 8 7 33 33 33Kris Kentera TE 7 4 7 4 -Brian Kimbrow RB 8 - 8 - -Derek King CB 6 - 6 - -Jacquese Kirk WR 2 - 2 - -Jonathan Krause WR 8 6 33 11 -Kenny Ladler S 7 7 32 22 4Fitz Lassing FB 8 1 31 5 1James Lewis OL 2 - 2 - -Rob Lohr DT 8 8 45 33 33Javon Marshall S 8 8 27 15 9Jordan Matthews WR 8 8 33 20 11Walker May DE 8 8 28 17 15Jahmel McIntosh S 7 - 7 - -Austin Monahan TE 7 - 40 13 -Steve Monk WR 1 - 1 - -Jared Morse DT 8 4 8 4 4Colt Nichter DT 5 4 34 20 -Warren Norman RB 6 - 26 13 -Marc Panu FB 8 - 30 - -Trent Pruitt WR 5 - 8 - -Spencer Pulley OL 4 4 12 4 -Jordan Rodgers QB 7 7 20 14 5Eric Samuels S 8 1 40 1 -Steven Scheu TE 7 5 7 5 2Jake Sealand LB 4 - 4 - -Jerron Seymour RB - - 13 - -Ryan Seymour OL 8 8 41 30 10Jimmy Stewart DE 6 - 6 - -Carey Spear PK 8 8 33 17 8Zac Stacy RB 8 8 40 28 21Wesley Tate WR 8 - 32 4 -Vince Taylor DT 8 - 20 - -Johnell Thomas DE 8 8 41 13 8Joe Townsend OL 8 4 14 4 2John Townsley QB 1 - 1 - -Dillon van der Wal TE 5 - 17 - -Chase White OL 8 - 20 4 -Kellen Williams LB 4 - 4 - -Andrew Williamson S 8 - 8 - -Trey Wilson CB 8 8 45 22 21Kyle Woestmann DE 8 - 21 - -

active PLayer ParticiPation

James Franklin, who became the first coach to lead the Commodores to a bowl game in his initial season, is enjoying one of the most successful two-year starts to a career in team history. With ten wins under his belt, Franklin ranks fifth among 16 second-year coaches. Franklin's next win will tie him with Red Sanders (11 wins, 1940-41. Steve Sloan (1973-74) and Bill Edwards (1949-50) posted 12 wins in their first two years.

FrankLin in year 2: nine wins to date

Wide receivers Jordan Matthews (Jr.) and Chris Boyd (R-So.) rank amongthe Southeastern Conference's top receiving duos. Combined, Matthews and Boyd are averaging 164.3 receiving yards per game, 6.0 yards less than the Arkansas combo of WR Cobi Hamilton and TE Chris Gragg (170.3 ypg). Trailing the Commodore duo is Texas A&M's Mike Evans and Ryan Swope (153.1 ypg). Matthews trails only Hamilton in the SEC with 56 catches and 775 receiving yards. Boyd is tied for ninth with 29 catches and fifth in the league with 67.6 receiving yards per game. In SEC games, Matthews tops the league with a 106.8-yard receivingaverage. Matthews and Boyd both topped 100 receiving yards at Georgia on Sept. 22, becoming just the eighth Vandy duo to ever accomplish the feat. Matthews and Boyd combined for 171 yards in the victory over UMass.

matthews, boyd: sec's secondmost Productive receiving duo

Team SEC Duo Combined Rec. Yards (ypg) Arkansas Cobi Hamilton, Chris Gragg 170.3 Vanderbilt Jordan Matthews, Chris Boyd 164.3 Texas A&M Mike Evans, Ryan Swope 153.1 Tennessee Justin Hunter, Zac Rogers 131.0 Georgia Tavarres King, Marlon Brown 114.8

sec's toP receiving duos

Player, Receiving Yards game, Year J. MATTHEWS, 119; C. BOYD, 110 Georgia, 2012 E. Bennett, 157; M. White, 121 Florida, 2006 B. Smith, 160; M. White, 118 Tennessee, 2004 D. Stricker 204, R. Williams 102 Kentucky, 2001 K. Edwards, 147; C. Scott 113 Kentucky, 1984 P. Roach, 144; C. Scott, 118 Tennessee, 1982 A. Matthews, 177; N. Jordan, 101 Tennessee, 1911 A. Matthews, 118; W. Buggs 102 Miss. State, 1981

muLtiPLe 100-yard receiving games

NoTEs ★ PLAyER PARTICIPATIoN

Coach Seasons Record Dan McGugin 1904-05 16-1 Bill Edwards 1949-50 12-9 Steve Sloan 1973-74 12-9-2 Red Sanders 1940-41 11-8-1 JAMES FRANKLIN 2011-12 10-11 Gerry DiNardo 1991-92 9-13 Fred Pancoast 1975-76 9-13 Bill Pace 1967-68 7-11-2 Doby Bartling 1944-45 6-6-1 Woody Widenhofer 1997-98 5-17 Watson Brown 1986-87 5-17 Art Guepe 1953-54 5-14 Jack Green 1963-64 4-13-3 Rod Dowhower 1995-96 4-18 Bobby Johnson 2002-03 4-20 George MacIntyre 1979-80 3-19

wins by vandy head coaches during First two years

Nine Commodore defensive players have been in the starting lineup for all eight Vanderbilt games this season. The list includes Rob Lohr (R-Sr., DT), Johnell Thomas (R-Sr., DE), Walker May (R-Jr., DE), Chase garnham (Jr., LB), Archibald Barnes (R-Sr., LB), Karl Butler (Jr., LB), Trey Wilson (Sr., CB), Andre Hal (Jr., CB) and Javon Marshall (R-Jr., safety).

consistent starting rotation on deFense


notes From the win over massachusetts ★ Vanderbilt's 49-7 victory over UMass gave the Commodores their first winning streak since early in 2011 when the Commodores opened the season with three straight wins. ★ Remarkably, the Commodores scored touchdowns on four consecutive touches during a 5:29 span of the third quarter. After a 14-yard TD pass from Jordan Rodgers (R-Sr., QB) to Chris Boyd (R-So., WR), the 'Dores scored three plays later on a 17-yard interception return by Trey Wilson (Sr., CB). On the team's next offen-sive possession, Brian Kimbrow (Fr., RB) went 74 yards for a TD on the first play. Then, after forcing a UMass fourth down, Jonathan Krause (Jr.) took the Minuteman punt 40 yards for a score. ★ The Vandy defense was superb for a second consecutive week. After yielding just 212 total yards to Auburn on Oct. 20, the unit permitted 264 total yards by the Minutemen, including just 54 rushing yards on 32 carries. ★ Jordan Matthews (Jr., WR) topped the aerial attack against UMass with 10 receptions, good for 112 yards. It was the highest single-game reception total by a Commodore since SEC record holder Earl Bennett posted 11 catches against Ole Miss in 2007. Matthews eclipsed 50 catches and 750 receiving yards during the game, which was the junior's seventh performance of at least 100 yards. ★ Richard Kent (R-Sr., punter) continued to perform at a career-high level against the Minutemen. Kent averaged 53.5 yards on two punts, with both efforts surpassing 50 yards. ★ A pair of true freshmen linebackers, Darreon Herring and Jake Sealand, paced the defensive effort with career-best performances. Sealand topped the unit with nine total tackles, including 1.5 stops resulting in lost yards for the Minutemen.Herring's performance, which included his first interception and forced fumble along with seven total tackles, was just as impressive. ★ Starting defensive tackle Rob Lohr (R-Sr.) and Jared Morse (Jr.) totalled four tackles for loss among a combined six solo tackles. Lohr enjoyed his finest performance of the year, contributing his first sack of the season. Lohr is the team's active career leader in sacks and tackles for loss. ★ Jordan Rodgers (R-Sr., QB) threw touchdowns to Kris Kentera (R-Fr., TE) and Chris Boyd (R-So., WR). It marked the first time this season that Rodgers had multiple TD passes. Rodgers also added a 4-yard touchdown rush, his first of the year. ★ The defense limited UMass to just five third-down conversions in 17 attempts. In the last two games, Commodore opponents are just 7-of-29 on third down conversions. ★ Wesley Tate (R-Jr., RB) set career highs with 81 rushing yards and 15 rush attempts. Tate's career-long rush of 25 yards resulted in Vanderbilt's first touchdown. ★ Jonathan Krause (Jr., WR) enjoyed a career effort as the team's punt returner. He totalled 93 yards on six returns. Krause's 40-yard touchdown return was the first by a Commodore in 14 years. ★ Vanderbilt started the same 11 players on defense for the fourth straight game. ★ The defense notched 13 tackles for loss against UMass. ★ Casey Hughes (Jr., LB) posted his first fumble recovery. He also contributed a tackle for loss. ★ Chris Boyd (Jr., WR) continued his superb play, catching four passes for 59 yards. He also caught his first TD of the season – a 14-yarder from Jordan Rodgers. Boyd is second on the team with 29 catches and 541 receiving yards. Both Boyd and Matthews have posted receptions in their last 16 straight games. ★ Vanderbilt doubled its season total in interceptions during the victory, with Herring and Trey Wilson (Sr., CB) picking off Minutemen passes. ★ Brian Kimbrow (Fr., RB) had a team-high 98 rushing yards on just seven carries. Kimbrow's performance was highlighted by a 74-yard scoring jaunt in the third quarter.

Player, Team Yards Per Catch Tavarres King, Georgia 19.7 CHRIS BOYD, Vanderbilt 18.7

sec: yards Per catch

CommoDoRE NoTEs

Player, Year Yards 1. Corey Harris, 1991 1,103 2. Jamie O’Rourke, 1974 933 3. Doug Matthews, 1969 849 4. Frank Mordica, 1979 830 5. ZAC STACY, 2012 683 6. Tom Moore, 1959 676 7. Lew Thomas, 2001 675 8. Herb Rich, 1949 668 9. Everett Crawford, 1987 621 10. Tony Jackson, 1993 607

rushing yards by senior

Player, Year Yards 1. Keith Edwards, 1983 97 2. Earl Bennett, 2007 75 3. Chuck Scott, 1983 70 4. Brad Gaines, 1988 67 5. Dan Stricker, 2001 65 6. JORDAN MATTHEWS, 2012 56 7. Allama Matthews, 1981 50 8. Norman Jordan, 1981 49 9. Curt Chesley, 1969 44 10. Ernie Goolsby, 1981 42

recePtions by Junior

Player, Years Total Points 1. Bryant Hahnfeldt, PK, 2005-08 255 2. John Markham, PK, 1997-2000 209 3. Ricky Anderson, PK, 1981-84 192 4. Johnny Clark, PK, 1986-89 165 5. Dean Davidson, RB, 1947-50 156 6. Mike Woodard, 1978-81 152 7. ZAC STACY, RB, 2009-12 150 8. Jack Jenkins, RB/PK, 1940-42 147 9. Marcus Wilson, QB, 1989-92 146 10. Charley Horton, RB, 1952-55 133

career scoring

townsend named sec toP Lineman aFter auburn eFFort Joe Townsend (So., center) earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors Monday for his stellar blocking performance in Vanderbilt's 17-13 home victory over Auburn on Oct. 20. Townsend contributed 10 knockdowns in just his second career start at center. He also added key blocks on four plays that resulted in Commodore first downs or touchdowns. Townsend is the first 'Dore lineman to earn SEC weekly honors this year. In 2011, three Vanderbilt linemen – Wesley Johnson, Ryan Seymour and Kyle Fischer – were recognized by the league.

Player, Year Yards 1. Keith Edwards, 1983 97 2. Earl Bennett, 2006 82 T-3. Earl Bennett, 2005 79 T-3. Bob Goodridge, 1967 79 5. Boo Mitchell, 1988 78 6. Earl Bennett, 2007 75 7. Chuck Scott, 1983 70 8. Brad Gaines, 1988 67 9. Dan Stricker, 2001 65 T-10. Allama Matthews, 1982 61 T-10. Dan Stricker, 2000 61 JORDAN MATTHEWS, 2012 56

singLe-season recePtions

Player, Year Yards 1. Boo Mitchell, 1988 1,213 2. Earl Bennett, 2006 1,146 3. Bob Goodridge, 1967 1,114 4. Dan Stricker, 2001 1,079 5. Dan Stricker, 2001 994 6. Chuck Scott, 1983 975 7. Chuck Scott, 1983 971 8. Keith Edwards, 1983 909 9. Earl Bennett, 2007 876 10. Tavarus Hogans, 1999 837 JORDAN MATTHEWS, 2012 775

singLe-season receiving yards

Name, Team Punt Avg. 1. Ricky Anderson, 1984 48.2 yards 2. Bill Marinangel, 1996 46.6 yards 3. Jim Arnold, 1982 45.8 yards 4. RICHARD KENT, 2012 45.6 yards

toP Punting averages


The August 30th opener between Vanderbilt and South Carolina game notched superb TV ratings for ESPN. The game was ESPN's most watched Thursday night game since 1998, earning a 3.0 national rating (average of 4.13 million viewers). It also was ESPN's most viewed Thursday season opener since 1994.

vandy-so. caroLina: suPerb tv ratings

The Goodlettsville (Tenn.) Little League all-star team earned one of the loudest ovations Aug. 30 in Vanderbilt Stadium. Fans from Vanderbilt and South Carolina gave the Goodlettsville youngsters and their coaching staff a rousing standing ovation late in the second quarter. The little league team, from a small town just north of Nashville, became a national sensation in mid-August by becomingthe U.S. champion at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. The team faced a talented squad from Japan for the LLWS crown. The squad was joined by Vanderbilt baseball head coach Tim Corbin at the ceremony. Corbin attended three of the team's World Series games.

The Commodores honored 2012 PGA Tour FedEx Cup champion and Vanderbilt alum Brandt Snedeker during the Florida game. Snedeker captured the PGA Tour FedEx Cup by winning the season-ending Tour Championship. Snedeker's late-season finish earned him a captain's pick on the U.S. Ryder Cup squad which competed against the European team in early October. Snedeker became the first Vanderbilt golfer to either win the PGA Tour's champion or compete in a Ryder Cup match.

snedeker recogniZed at FLorida game

The Commodores are 11-2 all-time versus current members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), following a 49-7 win over UMass on Oct. 27, 2012. Vanderbilt has captured its last five games against MAC affiliates dat-ing back to a 33-30 loss to Miami (Ohio) in 2000. In its last game against a MAC team, the Commodores beat Eastern Michigan 52-6 in 2010. This is Vanderbilt's initial meeting vs. Massachusetts, who are in their first season as MAC members.

MAC Member vU Record Last Meeting Eastern Michigan 3-0 W, 52-6, 2010 UMass 1-0 W, 49-7, 2012 Miami (Ohio) 3-1 W, 34-13, 2008 Northern Illinois 3-0 W, 34-31, 1999 Ohio U. 1-0 W, 54-10, 1989 Western Michigan 0-1 L, 24-27, 1998

vanderbiLt vs. current mac teams'dores now 11-2 vs. the mac

CommoDoRE NoTEs

rodgers eFFicient at Quarterback;enters career totaL oFFense toP ten

In his second year as a starter, Jordan Rodgers (R-Sr., QB) has shown continued improvement as an efficient leader of the Commodore offense. In the last month of action, the senior has produced at a very high level while eliminating mistakes that hinder offensive results. In his last three appear-ances, Rodgers has completed more than 65.5 percent of his passes (49-of-75) and averaged 209 passing yards. Rodgers also has not thrown a pickdating back to the third quarterat Missouri – a span of 78 consecutive pass attempts. Rodgers continued to shown excellent form in Vanderbilt's win over UMass. He was 17-of-21 (80%) for 217 yards. He threw TDs to Kris Kentera (R-Fr., TE) and Chris Boyd (R-So., WR), and ran for a third score. For the season, Rodgers is 106-of-180 for 1,458 yards and 5 TDs. His 58.6% completion percentage is the best by a Vanderbilt signal caller since Jay Cutler roamed the Commodore side-line in 2005. Among SEC quarterbacks with at least 150 pass attempts, Rodgers is tied for the second fewest interceptions thrown (2) behind Alabama's A.J. McCarron. Rodgers is also moving into select company among Vanderbilt quarterbacks. He currently ranks eighth all-time among Commodore senior QBs with 1,458 yards and less than 90 yards from seventh place. Rodgers needs 241 passing yards to tied Larry Smith (2008-11) for tenth all-time in career passing yards. The dual-threat signal caller joined the Vanderbilt all-time Top Ten in career total offense during the UMass performance. In just 14 career starts, Rodgers has produced 3,449 total yards (2,982 passing and 467 rushing). He is 55 total yards shy of tying Marcus Wilson (1989-92) for ninth place.

Name Rushing Passing Total Off. 1. Jay Cutler, 2002-05 1,256 8,697 9,9532. Greg Zolman, 1998-01 -274 7,981 7,6073. Whit Taylor, 1979-82 420 6,307 6,7274. Eric Jones, 1986-88 1,211 5,029 6,2405. Kurt Page, 1981-84 -225 6,233 6,0086. Chris Nickson, 2005-08 1,463 3,406 4,8697. Damian Allen, 1994-97 29 3,704 3,8888. Larry Smith, 2008-11 518 3,223 3,7419. Marcus Wilson, 1989-92 1,468 2,036 3,50410. JORDAN RODgERS, 2011- 467 2,982 3,449

career totaL oFFense charts

Player, Year Yards 1. Jay Cutler, 2005 3,073 2. Eric Jones, 1988 2,548 3. Greg Zolman, 2001 2,512 4. Whit Taylor, 1982 2,481 5. Kurt Page, 1984 2,405 6. John Gromos, 1989 1,744 7. Damian Allen, 1997 1,544 8. JORDAN RODgERS, 2012 1,458 9. David Lee, 1974 1,173 10. Marcus Wilson, 1992 1,030

Passing yards by senior

goodLettsviLLe LittLe League honored

Trey Wilson (Sr., CB) widened his team record for interception returns for touchdowns in Vanderbilt's victory over UMass, taking his fourth career pick for a score against the Minutemen. Wilson now ranks second all-time in the SEC in the interception returns category, trailing only former Tennessee standout Jackie Walker, who produced five TD returns from 1969-71. Remarkably, the second-year starting cornerback has returned four of his five career picks for Commodore scores. Wilson is one of just three Commodore all-time who have multiple returns for touchdowns. The others – Dominique Morris (2002-04) and Jay Chesley (1972-75) – accomplished the feat twice.

trey wiLson: Four int. returns For tds

Opponent/Date Yards UMass, 10/27/2012 17 Presbyterian, 9/15/2012 100 Ole Miss, 9/17/2011 52 Elon, 9/3/2011 21

wiLson's returns For scores


Playing at home .......................................................... 3-2Playing on the road .................................................... 1-2Playing during the day ............................................... 2-0Playing at night ........................................................... 2-4Vandy facing SEC opponent ...................................... 2-3Vandy facing non-SEC opponent .............................. 2-1Vanderbilt scores on first possession ..................... 2-1Opponent scores on first possession ...................... 1-2Vanderbilt scores first ............................................... 3-2Opponent scores first ................................................ 1-2Vanderbilt leads after 1st quarter ............................ 3-2Opponent leads after 1st quarter ............................. 1-2Teams are tied after 1st quarter ............................... 0-0Vanderbilt leads at halftime ...................................... 3-1Opponent leads at halftime ....................................... 0-2Teams are tied at halftime ......................................... 1-1Vanderbilt leads after 3rd quarter ............................ 3-2Opponent leads after 3rd quarter............................. 0-2Teams are tied after 3rd quarter .............................. 1-0Vanderbilt has more total yards ............................... 3-1Opponent has more total yards ................................ 1-3Vanderbilt has more rushing yards .......................... 3-0Opponent has more rushing yards ........................... 1-4Vanderbilt has more passing yards ......................... 3-3Opponent has more passing yards .......................... 1-1Vanderbilt has more turnovers ................................. 1-3Opponent has more turnovers .................................. 2-1Teams have equal turnovers ..................................... 1-0Vanderbilt has more penalties .................................. 1-1Opponent has more penalties ................................... 1-2Teams have equal penalties ..................................... 2-1Vanderbilt has more time of possession ................. 1-1Opponent has more time of possession .................. 3-3Vanderbilt has 100-yard rusher ................................ 2-0Opponent has 100-yard rusher ................................. 0-4Vanderbilt scores at least 20 points ........................ 2-0Vanderbilt scores less than 20 points ..................... 2-4Opponent scores at least 20 points ......................... 0-2Opponent scores less than 20 points ...................... 4-2 Playing on natural grass ............................................ 0-2Playing on artificial surface ...................................... 4-2Vanderbilt defense scores ........................................ 2-0Opponent defense scores ......................................... 0-0Vanderbilt special teams score ................................ 1-0Opponent special teams score ................................. 0-0

vanderbiLt's record when...

CommoDoRE NoTEs

Nine Commodore players have earned their initial career starts this season, including Jake Bernstein (R-So., OL), who started at guard in the team's win over UMass Oct. 27. Bernstein is one of six offensive players have enjoyed their initial starting assignments. Austyn Carta-Samuels (R-Jr., QB) started against Presbyterian. A pair of sophomores, Joe Townsend and Spencer Pulley, have both started twice on the offensive line at center. Two redshirt freshmen, Kris Kentera and Steven Scheu, have started at tight end. Three defensive players have witnessed first starts: Eric Samuels, (Sr., safety), Karl Butler (R-Jr., LB) and Jared Morse (Jr., DT).

nine 'dores become First-time starters

Twenty-two underclassmen have experienced their initial action in a Commodore uniform midway through the 2012 season. First-time defensive players include Caleb Azubike (Fr., DE), Darien Bryant (R-Fr., DE), Larry Franklin (R-Fr., LB), Josh gregory (R-Fr., DB), Conor Hart (R-Fr., DT), Darreon Herring (Fr., LB), Casey Hughes (So., LB), Derek King (R-Fr., DB), Jahmel McIntosh (R-Fr., safety), Jake Sealand (Fr., LB), Jimmy Stewart (R-Fr., DE), Kellen Williams (R-Fr., LB) and Andrew Williamson (R-Fr., safety). First-time players on offense are Jake Bernstein (Fr., OL), Josh grady (R-Fr., WR), Kris Kentera (R-Fr., TE), Brian Kimbrow (Fr., RB), Jacquese Kirk (R-Fr., WR), James Lewis (R-Fr., OL), Steve Monk (R-Fr., WR), Steven Scheu (R-Fr., TE) and John Townsley (R-Jr., QB). Kentera, Scheu and Bernstein have also earned starting assignments.

22 First-time contributors this year

Linebacker Jake Sealand became the fourth and most recent true freshmen to action for the Commodores this season when he contributed in the victory at Missouri. Other freshmen to contribute are defensive end Caleb Azubike, linebacker Darreon Herring and running back Brian Kimbrow. Azubike has three QB sacks among 10 total tackles. Herring has posted 21 tackles, an INT and forced fumble. Kimbrow ranks second on the team with 286 rushing yards and has averaged 21.5 yards as a kick returner. Sealand has 13 tackles and a forced fumble.

Four commodore Freshmen have PLayed

Mitchell Light, a Vanderbilt graduate and co-host of the Commodore radio pregame show, has moved into the role of network sideline reporter. Light replaced Kevin Ingram, who served the Vanderbilt Radio Network for more than a decade. Ingram stepped away from the sideline duties in mid-Octboer to accept a position doing more college football play-by-play on television.

Light assumes vandy radio sideLine roLe

Vanderbilt is now 26-37-3 in homecoming games since World War II after a convincing 49-7 victory over Massachusetts. Vanderbilt also moves to 11-3 in homecoming encounters against non-SEC teams during the last six decades.

DATE OppONENT W/L, FINAL10/27/12 UMass W, 49-710/22/11 Army W, 44-2110/23/10 So. Carolina L, 7-2110/17/09 Georgia L, 10-3410/25/08 Duke L, 7-1010/13/07 Georgia L, 17-2010/21/06 So. Carolina L, 13-31 10/15/05 Georgia L, 17-3411/6/04 Florida L, 17-3410/11/03 Navy L, 27-3710/26/02 UCONN W, 28-2410/13/01 Georgia L, 14-3010/21/00 So. Carolina L, 14-3010/9/99 The Citadel W, 58-010/24/98 So. Carolina W, 17-1410/18/97 Georgia L, 17-3410/26/96 So. Carolina L, 0-27 10/14/95 Georgia L, 6-1710/22/94 So. Carolina L, 16-1910/16/93 Georgia L, 3-4110/24/92 So. Carolina L, 17-2110/19/91 Georgia W, 27-2510/27/90 Ole Miss L, 13-14

DATE OppONENT W/L, FINAL10/21/89 Georgia L, 16-35 10/22/88 Ole Miss L, 28-3610/31/87 Rutgers W, 27-1310/25/86 Ole Miss L, 12-2810/19/85 Georgia T, 13-13 10/27/84 Ole Miss W, 37-2010/29/83 Memphis L, 7-24 10/23/82 Ole Miss W, 19-1010/31/81 Memphis W, 26-010/25/80 Ole Miss L, 14-2711/3/79 Memphis W, 13-310/28/78 Ole Miss L, 10-3510/15/77 Georgia L, 13-2411/13/76 Air Force W, 34-1011/1/75 Virginia W, 17-1410/26/74 Ole Miss W, 24-1410/20/73 Georgia W, 18-1410/28/72 Ole Miss L, 7-3111/6/71 Kentucky L, 7-1410/31/70 Tulane L, 7-1011/8/69 Kentucky W, 42-611/22/68 Davidson W, 53-2011/11/67 Kentucky L, 7-12

commodores in homecoming games

DATE OppONENT W/L, FINAL11/12/66 Navy L, 14-3011/6/65 Kentucky L, 0-3411/14/64 Tulane L, 2-7 11/9/63 Kentucky T, 0-011/17/62 Tulane W, 20-011/11/61 Kentucky L, 3-1610/8/60 Ole Miss L, 0-2610/17/59 Florida W, 13-610/25/58 Virginia W, 39-611/2/57 LSU W, 7-010/20/56 Florida L, 7-2110/5/55 Kentucky W, 34-010/9/54 Ole Miss L, 7-2210/24/53 Virginia W, 28-1310/11/52 Ole Miss T, 21-2110/27/51 Georgia Tech L, 7-810/21/50 Florida L, 27-3110/29/49 Auburn W, 26-711/6/48 LSU W, 48-711/1/47 Auburn W, 28-011/9/46 N.C. State W, 7-0 Homecoming records are not available prior to 1946


CoACh JAmEs FRANKLIN & hIs VANDERBILT sTAFF

AgE: 40 CAREER RECORD: 10-11 (second season)ALMA MATER: East Stroudsburg (Pa.) University; Playing career – 1991-94DEgREE: Bachelor's: Psychology, East Stroudsburg, 1995 Master's: Educational Leadership, Washington State, 1999FAMILY: Wife, Fumi; daughters: Addy and SholaFRANKLIN ON TWITTER: @JamesFranklinVU

2011-12 vANDERBILT (head coach)Guides Commodores to 6-6 regular record and appearance in AutoZone Liberty Bowl in first year...Team shows vast improvement, ranking as the SEC's most improved offense and defense...Wins five home games, most by Vanderbilt in more than a decade...Four players earned postseason recognition, includ-ing defensive back Casey Hayward (All-America by Walter Camp Foundation) and team rushing record setter Zac Stacy... Builds enthusiasm among fan base and works non-stop growing support for program on campus and in the community... Excites fans after the season by inking strong signing class of prep recruits... In 2012, helps drive offseason season ticket sales to substantial increases over four previous years... Attendance rise also results in consecutive home sellouts in 2012, the program's first straight sellouts in 16 years... Earns first road victory against Southeastern Conference rival when Commodores win at Missouri in Sept, 2012.

2008-10 MARYLAND (assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/QBs) On December 23, 2007, Ralph Friedgen sways Franklin back to Maryland as the Terps’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. In February 2009, Friedgen designates Franklin as his successor at Maryland... The Terrapins go 9-4 overall in 2010, finishing second in the ACC’s Atlantic Division and winning the Military Bowl... Quarterback Danny O'Brien earns ACC Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-America honors under Franklin's mentorship, ranking third nationally among freshmen in pass efficiency rating... O’Brien throws for 22 touchdowns against only eight picks after becoming the team's starter in Week Four... Franklin’s 2010 offense ranks among the nation's best in limiting turnovers... Torrey Smith also flourishes in 2010, catching 67 passes for 1,055 yards to earn first-team All-ACC honors... For the fourth time in his career, Franklin also is honored as a Top 25 recruiter by Rivals.com for helping to secure a class that included a number of four-star athletes... In 2008, the Terps defeat four ranked teams en route to a win in the Humanitarian Bowl to cap an 8-5 record. Terp WR Darrius Heyward-Bey becomes No. 9 overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.

2006-07 KANSAS STATE (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks) As K-State's offensive coordinator, Franklin helps the Wildcats to a 7-6 record in 2006, including a 45-42 win over No. 4 Texas. Kansas State also plays in the Texas Bowl, its first postseason appearance in three years... In 2007, under Franklin's guidance, K-State offense becomes first in team history to feature a 3,000-yard passer, 1,500-yard receiver and 1,000-yard rusher in the same season.... QB Josh Freeman (eventual 2009 first-round pick of Tampa Bay) sets numerous school records, including 3,353 passing yards... WR Jordy Nelson becomes an All-America player by catching 122 passes, and is a high draft pick of the Packers... In 2011, he starts on Green Bay's world champion squad.

2005 gREEN BAY PACKERS-NFL (assistant coach/wide receivers) Assisting Head Coach Mike Sherman, Franklin mentors a strong receiving arsenal that includes Donald Driver, Javon Walker and Robert Ferguson catching passes from Brett Favre... Despite an injury to Walker, the Packers rank sixth in team receiving yards... Driver sets career highs with 86 receptions for 1,221 receiving yards.

2000-04 MARYLAND (wide receivers/recruiting coordinator) Franklin helps Maryland to three consecutive bowl games starting with the 2001 squad...Maryland also achieves three straight seasons of 10 wins or more (2001-03), including appearance in 2002 FedEx Orange Bowl...Terps followed Orange Bowl berth with 30-3 victory over Tennessee in 2002 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and 41-7 win over West Virginia in 2003 Toyota Gator Bowl... Promoted to recruiting coordinator in 2003, Franklin delivers back-to-back recruiting classes that were ranked among the nation's Top 25.

1999 IDAHO STATE (wide receivers) As receivers coach, Franklin helps ISU finish ninth nationally in total offense.

1998 WASHINgTON STATE (graduate assistant coach/tight ends) Franklin joins highly successful Cougar Coach Mike Price as grad assistant.

1997 JAMES MADISON (wide receivers) Franklin mentors James Madison wide receivers... Junior receiver Earnest Payton finishes his career as the school’s leader in receptions with 185.

1996 EAST STROUDSBURg (defensive backs) Franklin returns to his alma mater, Division II East Stroudsburg.

NFL MINORITY COACHINg FELLOWSHIP PROgRAM Franklin participates in the program in 1998, serving an internship with Miami. He also enjoyed stints with Philadelphia in 1999 and Minnesota in 2008.

JOHN DONOvAN OFFENSIvE COORD./BACKSHelped Zac Stacy become the team's all-time leading rusher (2,685 yards) by rushing for a team-record 1,193 yards and 14 TDs as All-SEC junior... Joined Franklin in coming from Maryland...Graduate of Johns Hopkins.

BOB SHOOP DEFENSIvE COORD./SAFETIESFormer head coach at Columbia... Helped Vanderbilt defense improve more than any SEC unit in 2011, ranking 18th nationally in total defense and pass defense... Came from four-year stint guiding superb defenses at William & Mary.

CHARLES BANKINS SPECIAL TEAMS COORD./TEsCoached at NFL, college and prep levels... Worked two years at Maryland with Franklin... Coached Richard Kent to a career year in punting in 2011 (42.5 yards) and 45.6-yd. average this year.... Directed superb spe-cial teams in 2011, with a number of creative, 4th-down successes.

gEORgE BARLOW DEF. RECRUITINg COORD./SECONDARYStarted 2011 as New Mexico's defensive coordinator before being named interim head coach after fourth game ... Helped Lobos' Carmen messina break WAC's career tackles record at 454 total tackles ... Was an all-conference safety at Marshall.

JOSH gATTIS OFF. RECRUITINg COORD./WRsFirst year at Vanderbilt after spending 2011 at Western Michigan ... Helped WMU's Jordan White have the best season in program history in 2011, making 140 catches for 1,911 yards ... Has dynamic receiving duo at Vanderbilt with Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd.

HERB HAND OFFENSIvE LINELongest-tenured coach on staff (2010)... Saw the 2011 offensive line be the only SEC team to capture three SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week awards ... Line helped 'Dores add 25.8 yards per game over 2010... OL Wesley Johnson is one of SEC's most versatile linemen.

BRENT PRY C0-DEF. COORD./LINEBACKERsSon of a college coach... Coached defense at East Stroudsburg when Franklin was standout QB... Helps develop first-year starting LBs Archibald Barnes and Chase Garnham in 2011.

RICKY RAHNE QuaRtERBacKSCornell grad... Mentored both Larry Smith and Jordan Rodgers as starters in 2011 ... Helped Smith increase completion percentage to 55%, while Rodgers threwat least one TD pass in every start... Rodgers nearing team's Top 20 all-time total offense, passing lists.

SEAN SPENCER DEFENSIvE LINECoached Tim Fugger to All-SEC honors in 2011 before Fugger was drafted by the Colts... Emotional mentor who encourages players to attack like "wild African dogs"... Has worked with three finalists for Buchanan Award, given to top defensive player in FCS classification.

the FrankLin FiLe

FrankLin's career at a gLance

FrankLin's staFF


moRE oN CoACh FRANKLIN

★ GoING BowLING Vanderbilt reached bowl eligibility for the first time since 2008 and reached six wins for just the fifth time since 1955.

★ BEsT FIRsT yEAR sINCE 1975 Franklin's six wins were the most by a first-year Vanderbilt coach in 36 years. Fred Pancoast's first 'Dore team won seven games in 1975.

★ FIRsT 3-0 sTART sINCE woRLD wAR II Franklin's 3-0 start in his first season marked the first time a Vanderbilt coach won his first three games since 1945.

★ TIED FoR mosT homE wINs oF moDERN ERA The six wins at Vanderbilt Stadium in 2011 tied with the 1982 season for the most in the modern era.

★ uNDEFEATED ouT-oF-CoNFERENCE Vanderbilt's 4-0 mark in non-conference games marked the first undefeated record outside the SEC since 1999.

★ TIED FoR mosT ImPRoVEmENT IN sEC Vanderbilt's improvement from 2-10 in the 2010 season to 6-6 in 2011 tied with Georgia for the biggest increase in winning percentage in the conference (UGA went from 6-6 in 2010 to 10-2 in 2011).

★ ImPRoVEmENT BEyoND ThE RECoRD In 11 statistical categories, Vanderbilt improved more than any team in the Southeastern Conference from 2010 to 2011. The pattern of improvement has continued in 2012. Category 2011 2010 Change • Scoring Offense 26.9 17.3 +9.6 • Scoring Defense 20.8 30.9 -10.1 • Total Offense 324.8 285.1 +57.7 • Total Defense 324.6 430.2 -10.1 • Rush Offense 167.6 136.4 +31.2 • Rush Defense 123.0 190.0 -67.0 • Passing Offense 175.2 148.7 +26.5 • Passing Defense 201.6 240.2 -38.6 • Time of Possession 29:56 26:22 +3:34 • Red Zone TDs 23 13 +10 • Red Zone TDs Allowed 16 25 -9

★ sINGLE sEAsoN RushING RECoRD Zac Stacy (Jr.) set the team single-season rushing record (1,193 yards).

★ LIGhTING uP ThE sCoREBoARD The Commodores scored 323 points on the season, most since 1948.

★ KEEPING ThE oPPoNENT oFF ThE sCoREBoARD Vanderbilt allowed 20.8 points per game, the lowest since 2008 (19.6). The 2011 average was the third-best since 1983.

★ oNE oF ThE NATIoN's ToP DEFENsEs Vanderbilt ranked among the top-35 nationally in total defense (19th), rushing defense (25th), scoring defense (29th), pass defense (34th) and interceptions (T-6th).

★ IN ThEm ALL Four of Vanderbilt's losses came by less than a touchdown (Georgia, Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee).

★ moVING uP ThE LADDER Finishing fourth in the SEC East marked team's second best finish since divisional play began in 1991. Both SEC wins (Ole Miss & Kentucky) were by the largest margin of victory by Vanderbilt since 1971.

★ CAsEy hAywARD: JIm ThoRPE sEmIFINALIsT Casey Hayward was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (college football's best defensive back).

★ uNPRECEDENTED ExPosuRE Vanderbilt was featured as part of a six-page, behind-the-scenes spread in a September issue of Sports Illustrated.

★ FRANKLIN INTRoDuCED Dec. 17, 2010 Vanderbilt's 27th head coach – and first African-American – comes from Maryland. At 39, he's the youngest Commodore head coach in nearly two decades.

★ CoAChING sTAFF ANNouNCED Jan., 2011 Franklin's new Commodore staff includes three former Maryland assistants, a pair of former FCS defensive coordinators, three BCS-level assistants and Vanderbilt's 2010 offensive line mentor.

★ ENJoyING ThE sTuDENTs Jan. 20, 2011 After a rousing introduction at men's basketball game, Franklin heads into the student section to greet Memorial Maniacs. Three weeks later, 17 students tryout for the football squad after Franklin visits dorms and fraternity row.

★ NATIoNAL sIGNING DAy Feb. 15, 2011 Franklin makes a quick national splash, landing a 21-member class that includes two prospects with 4-star rankings.

★ sPRING GAmE RETuRNs To CAmPus April 17, 2011 Franklin caps first spring drills on campus by re-introducing the Black & Gold Spring Game. The televised event draws thousands of Commodore faithful to Vanderbilt Stadium.

★ FRANKLIN GETs wIN #1 sept. 3, 2011 Commodore captains reward game ball to their new coach after the team's 45-14 victory over Elon in the season opener.

★ "NoT ThE sAmE VANDERBILT" sept. 10, 2011 Team responds to coach's urging with comeback win vs. UConn.

★"sIx FINGERs – sIx sECoNDs" oct., 2011 Three raised fingers on each hand becomes commonplace among Vandy fans. The gesture pays tribute to Franklin's push to play hard "six seconds at a time."

★ "ThosE DAys ARE LoNG GoNE..." oct. 15, 2011 Proud of his team's comeback vs. Georgia, Franklin emotionally states that a new era of Vanderbilt football has arrived.

★ BowL ELIGIBILITy Nov. 26, 2011 Playing on the road in Winston-Salem, the Dores' 41-7 win over Wake Forest is the team's sixth of the year.

★ NEw yEAR's EVE oN BEALE Dec. 31, 2011 Spurred on Franklin's urging, more than 30,000 Commodore fans journey to Memphis for a New Year's Eve match against ranked Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

★ NATIoNAL sIGNING DAy Feb. 1, 2012 Franklin's second class of 22 prospects ranks among program's finest. For first time ever, every signee is 3-stars or better. The class includes six elite players from Tennessee.

vanderbiLt accomPLishments FrankLin's remarkabLe First year


PRoNuNCIATIoN GuIDE PLAYERS Robbie Barbieri (bar-bee-AIR-ee) Andre Hal (HAL) Jacquese (juh-KWEESE) Kirk Rob Lohr (LOR) Marc Panu (PAN-ooh) Steven Scheu (SHOY) Jerron (juh-RON) Seymour Kyle Woestmann (West-man)

COACHES Ricky Rahne (RON-nee)

VANDERBILT PosTGAmE INTERVIEws Coach Franklin's post-game press conference following the Kentucky game will be held after he addresses the team. The Vanderbilt post-game press conference room is located next to the team's locker rooms in Commonwealth Stadium. The Vanderbilt Locker Room is closed. Up to five players will be made available for post-game interviews. These interviews will be conducted in the same room as Coach Franklin's remarks. The players will enter when Franklin concludes.

GAmE wEEK INTERVIEw PoLICy All interview requests for Coach Franklin and Vanderbilt student-athletes MUST go through the Vanderbilt Athletic Communications staff. Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin will be available to media members at the conclusion of practice on Wednedays. Vanderbilt student-athletes and assistant coaches will also be available to media after the Wednesday sessions. Media outlets are permitted to shoot the last 10 minutes of Wednesday practices; otherwise, all sessions are closed.

wEEKLy PREss CoNFERENCE oN moNDAys Coach Franklin will conduct a weekly press conference for local media on Mondays at 12:00 noon, CT. It is held in the McGugin Center. Interviews with selected student-athletes will follow Franklin's remarks. The conference is archived and available at vucommodores.com, each Monday by 2:30 p.m., CT. A transcript is provided usually by 3 p.m.

sEC CoAChEs TELECoNFERENCE: wED., 10:30 Am Like the other 13 head coaches of the Southeastern Conference, Coach Franklin is available each Wednesday morning to media outlets as part of the SEC Head Coaches' Teleconference. Franklin's 10-minute segment starts at 10:30 a.m., CT. To participate, call the SEC SID Office at (205) 458-3010.

FRANKLIN's RADIo show oN ThuRs., 7 Pm The Commodore Call-In Show with Coach Franklin, a regular weekly feature of Nashville radio flagship NewsRadio 1510 WLAC has moved to Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m., in the Holiday Inn's Commodore Grille on West End Avenue. The one-hour show, hosted by Vanderbilt play-by-play announcer Joe Fisher, gives fans an opportunity to ask questions about the program and upcoming opponents.

vANDY KENTUCKY TEAM RECORD 4-4 1-8TOTAL POINTS 189 164TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 22 21POINTS ALLOWED 154 292TOUCHDOWNS ALLOWED 17 38FIRST DOWNS 149 154 RUSHING 68 60 PASSING 69 79 PENALTY 12 15RUSHINg YARDAgE 1329 1055 YARDS GAINED RUSHING 1582 1265 YARDS LOST RUSHING [253] [210] RUSHING ATTEmPTS 324 275 AvERAGE PER RUSH 4.1 3.8 AvERAGE PER GAmE 166.1 117.2 TDS RUSHING 13 10PASSINg YARDAgE 1690 1598ATT-COMP-INT 206-121-2 286-163-9 AvERAGE PER PASS 8.2 5.6 AvERAGE PER CATCH 14.0 9.8 AvERAGE PER GAmE 211.2 177.6 TDS PASSING 6 11TOTAL OFFENSE 3019 2653 TOTAL PLAYS 530 561 AvERAGE PER PLAY 5.7 4.7 AvERAGE PER GAmE 377.4 294.8KICK RETURNS: #-YARDS 28-622 34-726 AvERAGE KICK RETURN 22.2 21.4PUNT RETURNS: #-YARDS 19-172 14-85 AvERAGE PUNT RETURN 9.1 6.1INT RETURNS: #-YARDS 4-174 4-11 AvERAGE INT. RETURN 43.5 2.8FUMBLES-FUMBLES LOST 18-9 14-5OPP. FUMBLES-FUMBLES REC. 14-4 14-6PENALTIES-YARDS 49-376 3-316 AvERAGE PER GAmE 47.0 35.1PUNTS-YARDS 38-1707 48-2044 AvERAGE PER PUNT 44.9 42.6 NET PUNT AvERAGE 40.6 39.3TIME OF POSSESSION 29:37 23:523RD-DOWN CONvERSIONS 33/113 48/124 3RD DOWN PCT. 29% 39%4TH-DOWN CONvERSIONS 10/22 1/12 4TH DOWN PCT. 45% 8%QB SacKS-Yards 19-111 20-107QB SacKS aLLOwED-YARDS 17-131 20-134Fg MADE/ATTEMPTS 11/14 5/10

statisticaL comParison media inFormation

NoTEs ★ mEDIA INFoRmATIoN

wr John coLe onLy commodore From ky Fifth-year WR John Cole is the lone 'Dore that hails from Kentucky. Cole is working toward a postgraduate degree, has struggled with injuries this year. In his career, he has posted 65 catches, 756 receiving yards and 2 TDs.


CommoDoRE NoTEs

Player NFL Team Notes Earl Bennett, WR Chicago Bears Has three catches for 47 yards as Chicago goes to 6-1 with 23-22 come-from-behind win over PanthersBrandon Barden, TE Tennessee Titans Member of Titans' practice squad as rookie free agentJay Cutler, QB Chicago Bears After early struggles, Cutler leads Bears to last-second win over Carolina, hitting 18-of-29 for 186 yards, 1 TDMyron Lewis, CB Tampa Bay Bucs Second-year cornerback was inactive last Thursday during Tampa Bay's 36-17 road victory over VikingsD.J. Moore, CB Chicago Bears Starting nickel back contributes two tackles in Chicago's 23-22 victory over Cam Newton & the PanthersCasey Hayward, CB Green Bay Packers In first career start, rookie CB contributes eight tackles as Green Bay holds off Jaguars 24-15 at homeSean Richardson, S Green Bay Packers Free agent rookie posts initial NFL tackle on special teams in Packers' 24-15 victory over JacksonvilleChris Williams, OL St. Louis Rams Wearing new No. 65 jersey, Williams sees action at right tackle in St. Louis' loss to Patriots in London

TEAM CATEgORY Avg. SEC NCAAScoring Offense 23.6 12 90Total Offense 377.4 9 85Rushing Offense 166.1 7 57Passing Offense 211.3 9 82Scoring Defense 19.3 6 21Total Defense 323.3 5 21Rushing Defense 172.3 12 78Passing Defense 151.0 3 5Net Punting 40.6 3 14Punt Returns 10.2 5 41Kickoff Returns 21.9 9 60Turnover Margin -.4 (-3) 9 T-80Pass Efficiency 135.3 10 53Def. Pass Efficiency 103.6 4 12Penalties 6.1 9 T-68Penalty Yards 47.0 8 413rd Down Conv. % 29% 13 1173rd Down Conv. % (Defense) 31% 6 18Red Zone Offense 70% 14 T-110Red Zone Defense 81% T-9 T-51QB Sacks 2.3 (19) 8 43QB Sacks Allowed 2.1 (17) 6 T-77Tackles for Loss 7.3 (60) 5 20Pass Interceptions .5 (4) T-12 T-94First Downs 18.1 10 T-95First Downs Allowed 17.0 4 16Time of Possession 29:37 5 64

INDIvIDUAL CATEgORY Avg. SEC NCAAZac Stacy rushing yards 85.4 6 50 total offense 88.4 18 all-purpose yards 99.9 10Jordan Rodgers pass efficiency 133.9 11 60 total offense 216.6 7 69Jordan Matthews receptions 7.0 (56) 2 T-16 receiving yards 96.9 2 15 all-purpose yards 109.8 6 74Chris Boyd receptions 3.6 (29) T-13 receiving yards 67.6 5 T-65Brian Kimbrow kickoff returns 21.5 8 70Caleb Azibuke QB sacks .4 (3) T-20Karl Butler tackles for loss 1.0 (8) T-8 T-79Chase Garnham QB sacks .6 (5) T-4 T-51 tackles for loss .9 (7) T-12Andre Hal passes defended .8 (6) T-6Kenny Ladler tackles 7.3 T-17Jared Morse tackles for loss .9 (7) T-12Trey Wilson interceptions .3 (2) T-9 T-78 passes defended .7 (5) 8Carey Spear field goals 1.4 (11) T-3 T-29Richard Kent punting 45.6 2 10

Two assistant coaches, george Barlow and Josh gattis, are new to the Commodore sideline this season. Both Barlow, a Marshall University graduate who comes from the University of New Mexico staff, and Gattis, a Wake Forest grad who served last year at Western Michigan, have key recruiting roles at Vanderbilt in addition to position responsibilities. Barlow will coach defensive backs and serve as defensive recruiting coordinator. Gattis will mentor wide receivers and serve as offensive recruiting coordinator.

barLow, gattis: new commodore coaches

On Aug. 10, James Franklin surprised fourth-year player Marc Panu (FB, Mableton, Ga.) by presenting the walk-on with a full scholarship for 2012-13. Franklin broke the news to Panu in a team meeting and the moment was captured for posterity, however no one imagined the amount of attention the moment would garner. Within one week, the video of the announcement had received over 330,000 views on YouTube, while Panu and Franklin had been interviews by media outlets ranging from The Tennessean to FOX News. Panu began at Vanderbilt as a walk-on LB/DE and was named defensive scout team MVP as a freshman. In 2010, he appeared in 11 games on special teams. When Franklin arrived at Vanderbilt for the 2012 season, Panu moved to fullback and saw action in all 12 regular season games as a short-yardage blocker and special teams contributor.

marc Panu – recent youtube sensation

Former All-Southeastern Conference linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is Vanderbilt's selection to the 2012 class of SEC Football Legends. Hillenmeyer, a product of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville who went on to enjoy an eight-year career with the Chicago Bears, will be honored Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Atlanta. Hillenmeyer topped the NCAA with 168 total tackles as a senior middle linebacker in 2002. He also paced the SEC the same year with 116 solo tackles, earning All-SEC honors. A 23-game career starter, Hillenmeyer also was a superb student-athlete. In 2002, he was selected as one of six Division I-A National Scholar Athletes by the College Football Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation. Here's a list of previous Vanderbilt staounds that have been recognized as SEC legends. 2011 Corey Harris, DB/RB, 1988-91 2002 Jim Arnold, punter, 1979-82 2010 Corey Chavous, DB, 1994-97 2001 Will Wolford, OT, 1982-85 2009 Jamie Duncan, LB, 1995-97 2000 Herb Rich, RB, 1946-49 2008 Shelton Quarles, LB, 1990-93 1999 Bob Werckle, OT, 1947-51 2007 Chuck Scott, WR/TE, 1981-84 1998 Charley Horton, RB, 1952-55 2006 Eric Jones, QB, 1986-88 1997 Bucky Curtis, WR, 1947-50 2005 Chris Gaines, LB, 1984-87 1996 John Hall, OL, 1951-54 2004 Boo Mitchell, WR, 1985-88 1995 Bob Asher, OT, 1967-69 2003 Whit Taylor, QB, 1979-82 1994 Bill Wade, QB, 1949-51

hiLLenmeyer: vanderbiLt's 2012 sec LegendvanderbiLt: sec & ncaa rank

status oF Former commodores in the nFL


The Vanderbilt football program and athletics department has undergone several upgrades and renovations since last fall. Here's a look at some of new and improved areas on West End.

Head Coach James Franklin and the senior members of the football team unveiled the team's 2012 uniforms during a pep-rally style event at the Barnes & Noble Vanderbilt Bookstore on July 11. The stylish uniforms, designed by the Vanderbilt football staff, are made with Nike's high-tenacity Cordura knit fabric and feature black, gold and white jerseys and pants. The final piece of equipment that was shown to the crowd was a white helmet. Last season, Vanderbilt debuted a black helmet that the team wore in addition to their gold helmet. The Commodores can mix-and-match any combination of the black, gold and white elements (helmet, jersey and pants), creating 27 possible combinations.

Several key changes are incorporated in the 2012 design:• For the first time since 1994,"Vanderbilt" will be displayed on the front of Commodore jerseys. The name will be in all caps above jersey numbers.• A gold "anchor" emblem adorns the homeplate or front "V" neck of all jerseys. Last year, the Star V logo was stitched there.• "Anchor Down" text is stitched in the interior of each jersey neckline.• Nike's iconic "flywire" stitching is incorporated into the high impact shoul-der area of each jersey.• The gold jersey top fea-tures black shoulder cov-erings, black lettering and black numbers. Last year, the gold jersey had white numbers.• All jerseys have an updated circular SEC patch stitched over the right breast. The Nike swoosh is over the left breast.

• Star V logos will adorn each hip of the pants. In 2011, a lone Star V logo was located on the left front of the uniform pant.

Several upgrades have been put in to place prior to the start of the 2012 season at Vanderbilt Stadium. The most noticeable is the new video board in the north end zone of the stadium. The high definition board measures 40 x 71 feet and is one of the largest video boards in college football. In front of the video board is a new grass berm for fan seating. The berm can accommodate approximately 400 fans and provide one of the most unique seats in the country. The field itself has a new look and feel, as the old grass playing field has been replaced with a synthetic turf called Legion 46. Installed by Shaw Sportexe, the field has several new features. The redzone features the phrase "Anchor Down," an anchor logo has replaced the traditional X that marks the kickoff location and the end zones are painted black with "Vanderbilt" and "Commodores" framed by the Star-V logo. The Star-V logo remains at midfield, with Southeastern Conference logos on the 25-yard lines. In addition, new lighting has been installed at Vanderbilt Stadium. While they aren't as noticeable until nightfall, they will improve television viewing drastically while focusing more light on the field (and less in the stands), creating a more dramatic stage for Commodore football. Across Jess Neely Drive, football was one of several Vanderbilt pro-grams to benefit from renovations and additions at the McGugin Center. New meeting rooms and a 140-seat auditorium-style classroom all adja-cent to the coaches offices will benefit football, while meeting rooms have also been added to McGugin for Vanderbilt's Olympic sports.

The new video board and berm in the south endzone of Vanderbilt Stadium.

Vanderbilt's three helmets

CommoDoRE NoTEs

Look good, PLay good stadium, Program uPdates


Vanderbilt's freshman class is regarded as perhaps the most talented recruiting class ever to enroll at Vanderbilt. Four members of the class – Caleb Azubike, Darreon Herring, Brian Kimbrow and Jake Sealand – have played this season. The 2012 signing class represents the first in school history where every recruit in the class was rated three stars or better, while the group also includes four four-star players. Those four four-star players are the most recruits of that caliber to ever be in one class at Vanderbilt. In fact, Vanderbilt had signed just three four-star players in the decade prior. Of the 22 signees, 15 are nationally ranked at their position. Vanderbilt was especially successful in its home state of Tennessee, where all six recruits who are staying in their native state to become Commodores were among the top-25 players in Tennessee. Vanderbilt's 22 freshmen and their highest ranking (ESPN or Rivals):

Player Pos. Hometown Rating Torey Agee DE Opelika, Ala. ★ ★ ★ Caleb Azubike DE Nashville, Tenn. ★ ★ ★ ★ Brandon Banks DB Brandywine, Md. ★ ★ ★ Ladarius Banks DT Dallas, Ga. ★ ★ ★ Cory Batey WR Nashville, Tenn. ★ ★ ★ Adam Butler OL Duncanville, Texas ★ ★ ★ Colby Cooke P/K Goochland, Va. ★ ★ ★ Blake Romang OL Orlando, Fla. ★ ★ ★ Barrett Gouger OL Soddy-Daisy, Tenn. ★ ★ ★ Harding Harper LB Montgomery, Ala. ★ ★ ★ Paris Head DB Lawrenceville, Ga. ★ ★ ★ Darreon Herring LB Stone Mountain, Ga. ★ ★ ★ Will Holden OL Green Cove Springs, Fla. ★ ★ ★ Andrew Jelks OL Paris, Tenn. ★ ★ ★ ★ Brian Kimbrow RB Memphis, Tenn. ★ ★ ★ ★ Kevin McCoy OL Tampa, Fla. ★ ★ ★ Torren McGaster DB Daphne, Ala. ★ ★ ★ Tip McKenzie WR Natchez, Miss. ★ ★ ★ Patton Robinette QB Maryville, Tenn. ★ ★ ★ Jake Sealand LB Tucker, Ga. ★ ★ ★ Ja'Karri Thomas LB Tallahassee, Fla. ★ ★ ★ Stephen Weatherly DE Snellville, Ga. ★ ★ ★ ★

CommoDoRE NoTEs

Freshman cLass among best ever

Several Commodore players have been named to preseason watch lists for some of college football's most prestigious awards.

Player Award Category WESLEY JOHNSON Outland Interior LinemanRICHARD KENT Ray Guy PunterROB LOHR Nagurski Defensive Player Lombardi LinemanJORDAN MATTHEWS Biletnikoff ReceiverJORDAN RODgERS Unitas 4th-Year QuarterbackZAC STACY Maxwell Player of the Year Doak Walker Running Back

The Vanderbilt roster features several players who competed on the same high school team, then followed each other to Nashville.

• Wesley Johnson (R-Jr., center) attended Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville along with Fitz Lassing (So., FB) and Luke Colbert (So., QB).

• Richard Kent (R-Sr., punter) and Kyle Woestmann (R-So., DE) were teammates at Walton H.S., in Marietta, Ga. • Josh grady (R-Fr., WR) and Kevin McCoy (Fr., OL) both attended

Armwood H.S. in Tampa, Fla. • Kenny Ladler (Jr., safety) and Darreon Herring (Fr., LB) are both products of Stephenson H.S. in Stone Mountain, Ga.

Vanderbilt was represented on both sides of the football when the Southeastern Conference announced Preseason All-SEC teams in advance of SEC Media Days. ★ Zac Stacy (Sr., RB) was named second team running back by both the coaches and writers that cover the league. Stacy set several school records as a junior, including the single-season rushing record at 1,193 yards. Stacy added 14 rushing touchdowns and eclipsed 100 yards in five games, including a stellar 198-yard performance against Army and a 135-yard, two-touchdown performance against Kentucky that earned him SEC Player of the Week honors. UPDATE: Stacy has 683 rushing yards on the season, ranking sixth in the SEC. Became the team's all-time leading rusher (2,685 yards) and is second all-time with 25 touchdowns. ★ Trey Wilson (Sr., CB) was named third team defensive back by the writers after making 30 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass break-ups in 2011. He became the first Vanderbilt player since 1974 to return to interceptions for touchdowns in the same season, returning picks against Ole Miss and Elon. He also had another pick against the Rebels and earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. UPDATE: Wilson has two interception returns for touchdowns this year and ranks second all-time in SEC with four interception returns for touchdown. ★ Rob Lohr (R-Sr., DT) received third-team defensive honors. He has started 28 consecutive games for the Commodores. In 2011, he was second on the team with five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a pair of fumbles and made 41 total tackles. UPDATE: Lohr has 13 tackles this year, including 4.0 resulting in a loss. He leads all active Vanderbilt players in career sacks (10) and tackles for loss (24.5).

PreP teammates now commodores

three earn Preseason aLL-sec

'dores on individuaL watch Lists

Vanderbilt football and men's basketball games will be carried on one of the nation's strongest radio signals following a flagship agreement announced in August between Vanderbilt Athletics and Nashville's NewsRadio WLAC AM-1510. Starting with the Vanderbilt football opener against South Carolina, all Commodore football and men's basketball games will air on WLAC 1510, a station that boasts one of the nation's most powerful evening signals. WLAC can be heard across middle America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The flagship agreement was finalized in August by Vanderbilt Athletics, its multimedia rights holder IMG College and Clear Channel Media & Entertainment (CCM+E), one of America's largest media companies. NewsRadio WLAC 1510 will air all radio programming related to Vanderbilt football and men’s basketball, including game broadcasts and weekly coach’s call-in shows.

vanderbiLt's new radio FLagshiP


First Team Second TeamWR 80 Chris Boyd 6-4, 205, R-So. Roswell, Ga. 19 Jacquese Kirk 6-0, 175, R-Fr. Jasper, Ala.WR 87 Jordan Matthews 6-3, 205, Jr. Madison, Ala. 9 Trent Pruitt 5-9, 175, R-So. Fitzgerald, Ga.WR 17 Jonathan Krause 5-11, 184, Jr. Snellville, Ga. 7 Josh Grady 5-11, 190, R-Fr. Tampa, Fla. QB 11 Jordan Rodgers 6-1, 212, R-Sr. Chico, Calif. 6 Austyn Carta-Samuels 6-0, 222, R-Jr. San Jose, Calif. 4 Patton Robinette 6-4, 204, Fr. Maryville, Tenn.TB 2 Zac Stacy 5-9, 210, Sr. Centreville, Ala. 24 Wesley Tate 6-1, 215, R-Jr. Hendersonville, Tenn. 25 Brian Kimbrow 5-8, 180, Fr. Memphis, Tenn. 5 Warren Norman 5-10, 202, R-Jr. Stone Mountain, Ga.FB 38 Fitz Lassing 6-3, 240, Jr. Nashville, Tenn. 45 Marc Panu 6-1, 240, R-Jr. Mableton, Ga. TE 82 Kris Kentera 6-4, 230, R-Fr. Colorado Springs, Colo. -or- 81 Steven Scheu 6-5, 260, R-Fr. Evansville, Ind. 86 Austin Monahan 6-6, 250, Grad. Charlotte, N.C. OT 67 Wesley Johnson 6-5, 285, R-Jr. Nashville, Tenn. 50 Andrew Jelks 6-6, 275, Fr. Paris, Tenn. OG 62 Ryan Seymour 6-5, 304, R-Sr. Kingsland, Ga. 71 Adam Butler 6-4, 288, Fr. Duncanville, TexasC 57 Joe Townsend 6-3, 305, So. Hendersonville, Tenn. 71 Adam Butler 6-4

VANDERBILT GAmE NoTEs...2012/10/29 · The 2012 Commodores compare favorably to the 2011 team that...

Documents

Transcript of VANDERBILT GAmE NoTEs...2012/10/29 · The 2012 Commodores compare favorably to the 2011 team that...